Pakistan cricket selector and former captain Misbah-ul-Haq resigned following the sudden dismissal of red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed amid a series of heavy Test defeats to England. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Monday that Sarfaraz would be replaced by New Zealand’s white-ball coach Mike Hesson for the upcoming final Test, scheduled to begin in Birmingham on September 9.
The shake-up also involved the removal of seven players from the England tour party—Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad—with five uncapped players brought in as replacements. Additionally, the PCB replaced bowling coach Umar Gul with Australian Ashley Noffke. These abrupt changes came in the wake of Pakistan’s innings and 103-run loss at Headingley and a 194-run defeat at Lord’s, leaving England with an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Misbah’s resignation reportedly came in protest against the PCB’s decisions, particularly the lack of consultation with the selection committee. Sources close to Misbah stated he sent his resignation via email on Monday night and had not received a response by Tuesday.
The moves have sparked criticism and surprise within Pakistan’s cricketing community. Former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur described the situation as "absolutely ridiculous" and expressed disappointment over the sacking of Sarfaraz, highlighting the importance of stable leadership and planning for Pakistan’s cricketing progress. “It makes me sad because I know what Pakistan could become with proper leadership, planning and structure,” Arthur said.
Former selector and spinner Tauseef Ahmed also condemned the decisions, characterizing them as "unprecedented and unjust" and suggesting they created a "polluted atmosphere" within the team. He emphasized that senior players should not be treated in such a manner.
Former Pakistan captains Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik voiced similar concerns. Afridi called the timing and nature of the decisions inappropriate, stating, “It’s not the way to treat your senior players” and expressing that making such major changes during a series was “disturbing.” Malik underscored that players removed at this stage remain national cricketers who have served Pakistan and argued that accountability measures should take place only after a tour is complete.
The PCB has yet to respond publicly to Misbah’s resignation or the broader criticisms emerging from the recent actions. The final Test against England remains scheduled, with the team now under new interim coaching leadership and an altered lineup as Pakistan seeks to regroup.